ISD 199 has been working diligently on a new strategic plan during the last several months. The plan will serve as a guide for the district’s future. Don’t forget to take the brief survey by Sept. 30 to share your opinions and insights. When it comes to crafting a solid strategic plan, the value of feedback from as many people as possible is incalculable.

For the third consecutive year, the Minnesota State Patrol gave ISD 199 a perfect score on its annual bus inspection. That sustained record of success is proof positive of the dedication of everyone in the transportation department.

ISD 199’s special services recently received some outstanding news that should definitely #inspire199. Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Education presented the department with the Disabilities Education Act Compliance Achievement Award for the 2014-15 school year.

MDE notes, “The achievement demonstrates commitment to implementing special education programs that meet or exceed requirements and are reflective of the dedication of the administration, school staff and community.”

“We’re very proud of the work our special services team does,” Superintendent Dave Bernhardson. “The award is reflective of their hard work and dedication.”

Get out and vote

On Nov. 3, residents will head to the polls for a school board election. Five names will appear on the ballot: incumbents Susan Gliva and Sherry Warrick and challengers Bill Klein, Mathias J. Schaefer and Rachel Hanson.

Since it’s a school board election, there will only be two poling places. Voters can cast their ballots at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th Street E. in Inver Grove Heights, and Good Shepherd Church, 7600 Cahill Avenue in Inver Grove Heights.

Lynn Newton

Great news for Spartan Nation! Simley boys swimming coach Lynn Newton was inducted into the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame during a Sept. 18 ceremony at the Minnesota Aquatic Center. Lynn is also a media specialist at Hilltop and Pine Bend elementary schools.

A 1992 U of M grad, Lynn left a huge mark on Golden Gophers swimming. One of the Big Ten’s top distance swimmers, Lynn was undefeated in the 1000-yard free and 1650-yard free in college dual meets and was a four-year A-finalist in distance events. Her highest finish at the Big Ten Championships was a silver medal in the 1650 free, where she set Minnesota team records in the 1000 and 1650 free.

Lynn was a five-time NCCA qualifier and was also twice named an honorable mention All-American.

Beyond her career in maroon and gold, Lynn qualified for the 1988 and 1992 Olympic trials and was ranked in the top 25 in the world in the 1500-meter freestyle in 1986, 1990 and 1991.

She is also a member of the Minnesota Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame and as has served as president and vice-president of the Minnesota Swimming Coaches Association. She’s also been named the Minnesota Class A High School Coach of the Year.

Congrats to Coach Newton!

#simleyspartans #inspire199

Social media … a team effort

In the coming weeks and days, the ISD 199 communications team will enhance its use of Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Our goal is to update both accounts several times a day and that’s where you come in! Please submit announcements about upcoming events, photos, news about awards and accolades, or just any kind of news you think your colleagues and all of our ISD 199 communities might be interested in. These submissions can be serious announcements but they can also be fun and upbeat items.

It doesn’t have to be big things, either. For example, if your students are spending some time working on an art project, grab your phone or iPad and send us a couple of photos and we’ll get them out on our Facebook page. We want everyone to know about the small — but exciting and admirable — things that happen everyday in our schools.

Events

Tuesday Sept. 22

Varsity cross country is at Hudson Middle School at 3:45 p.m.

8th grade football hosts Richfield Middle School at 3:45 p.m.

7th grade A team football is at Richfield Middle school at 3:45 p.m.

7th grade B team football is at South St. Paul at 3:45 p.m.

Boys B team soccer hosts South St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Girls B team soccer hosts South St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Boys C team soccer is at South St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Girls C team soccer is at South St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Boys varsity soccer hosts South St. Paul at 5 p.m.

The German exchange meeting is from 7-9 p.m. in the auditorium.

Girls varsity soccer hosts South St. Paul at 7 p.m.

Wednesday Sep. 23

Girls varsity tennis hosts South St. Paul at 3:30 p.m.

Girls JV tennis is at South St. Paul at 3:30 p.m.

7th and 8th grade soccer hosts South St. Paul at 3:45 p.m.

Thursday Sept. 24

6-8th grade girls swimming and diving is at Hastings Middle School at 3:30 p.m.

Girls varsity tennis is at Hastings High School at 3:30 p.m.

Girls JV tennis hosts Hastings at 3:30 p.m.

Boys 7th and 8th grade soccer hosts South St. Paul at 3:45 p.m.

Girls 7th and 8th grade soccer is at South St. Paul at 3:45 p.m.

Girls 7th and 8th grade girls tennis is at John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood at 3:45 p.m.

8th grade volleyball hosts Skyview Community School at 3:45 p.m.

7th grade volleyball is at Skyview Commnity School at 3:45 p.m.

B team football hosts Henry Sibley at 4 p.m.

Boys C team soccer is at North St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Girls C team soccer is at North St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Boys B team soccer hosts North St. Paul at 4 p.m.

Girls B team soccer hosts North St. Paul at 4 p.m.

9th grade volleyball hosts Hastings at 4 p.m.

The football pasta dinner is in Cahill Court from 5-7 p.m.

Girls varsity soccer hosts North St. Paul at 5 p.m.

JV volleyball is at Hastings at 5:30 p.m.

B team volleyball is at Hastings at 5:30 p.m.

Girls varsity swimming and diving hosts South St. Paul at 6 p.m.

Boys varsity soccer hosts North St. Paul at 7 p.m.

Varsity volleyball is at Hastings at 7 p.m.

Friday Sept. 25

Girls varsity tennis is at Henry Sibley at 3:30 p.m.

Girls JV tennis hosts Henry Sibley at 3:30 p.m.

8th grade football hosts Maplewood Middle School 3:45 p.m.

7th grade football is at Maplewood Middle School at 3:45 p.m.

Girls 7th and 8th grade soccer hosts South St. Paul at 3:45 p.m.

Girls 7th and 8th grade tennis is at South St. Paul at 3:45 p.m.

9th grade football is at Henry Sibley at 4 p.m.

Varsity football hosts Henry Sibley for homecoming at 7 p.m.

Saturday Sept. 26

9th grade volleyball is at Bloomington Kennedy for a tournament at 8 a.m.

Girls varsity swimming and diving hosts in invitational at 9 a.m.

Youth football will be having activities on the main game field from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.